Read so many reviews between the two i cant even recall...so i know the specs and components

Have a Raptor 316 but i do get tired after a while.

Paired with stradic 5k. Pure surf spinning and dropshot. Probably 2oz spoons and plugs, 1.5oz bucktail (lure weight not set in stone) No sinkers + bait. Just looking for some experienced opinions since im in jhb for 2 days and Ganis is right on my way.

I was on the same quest some time ago - looking for a 10ft pure spinning setup. Found the 10ft Shimano Scimitar to have the right level of sensitivity. 1oz up to 3½oz felt good, but not quite soft enough to make more than 80mtr on 3/4oz bucktail.

Suggest looking at the Penn Allegiance10ft - I also have the Regiment 11ft but it's pretty stiff for under 1½oz. The Allegiance was softer and felt good in the shop.

Toss up between the Allegiance and Exceler rods - go feel them in the shop.

I had a few sessions with a friend's Penn Allegiance in Mozam over the course of a week fishing it side by side with my Archipelago, it's ok as a budget or as a backup which it was in his case. The airline snapped his primary rod lol

The Fuji Ks that are fitted on the Archipelago are alone worth the R300 premium that you pay for the Archi over the Allegiance. To retro fit them is close on R1k, having just upgraded one of my surf rods and built a custom popping rod using them.

Another friend has been using his Exeller for years and it is still going strong, he will be re-doing the guides as the original ones were crap though.

Take your reel with or ask them to fit one on at the shop, you may even feel that an 11ft is better balanced